This is an incredible book for many different reasons. The plot is compelling, the characters sympathetic, the voice is omniscient. However, it is the style of Zusak's writing and use of literary devices that draw readers. Using Death as a narrator is thought provoking and allows Zusak to examine the characters, their motivation, the various themes, and settings. The book is divided into ten sections that correspond with the books that impact Leisel's life. Within those sections, Zusak uses short, succinct chapters to move the story along interspersed with headlines to call attention to important facts, reactions, announcements, and foreshadowing. Each chapter is a vignette that illustrates Leisel's experiences in her pursual for books and self identity. Zusak's style helps readers digest this bittersweet and difficult story. Finally, he understand the impact of words and their ability to calm, enlighten, connect, and anger. Like Zusak, "[t:]he best word shakers were the ones who understood the true power of words. .. [and:] how powerless a person could be without worlds."

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